The rate of unionisation among workers in Malaysia is at an abysmal 6%. This is one of the key reasons why wages in Malaysia are incredibly low. 

But why is this the case? What’s preventing workers in Malaysia from organising themselves to have greater bargaining power? 

Recently, the Labour Solidarity and Learning Resources Association (LLRC) published a paper titled The Challenges of Workers’ Organising in Malaysia. It’s a detailed report on the kinds of labour rights violations and union-busting tactics by big businesses and employers in Malaysia. 

We unpack this paper with one of the authors, Ng Yap Hwa who is the Assistant General Secretary of the Labour Solidarity and Learning Resources Association (LLRC).

The rate of unionisation among workers in Malaysia is at an abysmal 6%. This is one of the key reasons why wages in Malaysia are incredibly low.&nbsp;But why is this the case? What’s preventing workers in Malaysia from organising themselves to have greater bargaining power?&nbsp;Recently, the Labour Solidarity and Learning Resources Association (LLRC) published a paper titled <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tradeunion.org.my/the-challenges-of-workers-organising-in-malaysia-a-report-on-violations-of-freedom-of-association-and-trade-union-rights/">The Challenges of Workers’ Organising in Malaysia</a>. It’s a detailed report on the kinds of labour rights violations and union-busting tactics by big businesses and employers in Malaysia.&nbsp;We unpack this paper with one of the authors, Ng Yap Hwa who is the Assistant General Secretary of the Labour Solidarity and Learning Resources Association (LLRC).

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. 
On Beyond the Ballot Box, we have in-depth conversations about political economy and human rights in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and around the globe through a class prism.

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we have in-depth conversations about political economy and human rights in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and around the globe through a class prism.

Beyond the Ballot Box

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we speak to politicians and analysts and explore burning issues and questions surrounding our fluid and ever-changing political scene.

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we speak to politicians and analysts and explore burning issues and questions surrounding our fluid and ever-changing political scene.

Here’s How Employers in Malaysia Prevent Workers From Unionising

The Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA) has once again come under fire following reports that several minors were detained under its provisions in a recent security operation. The case has sparked concern among human rights groups, including SUARAM, over potential violations of child protection laws and allegations of abuse while in custody. The incident has also reignited calls for urgent reforms of the law to better balance national security with fundamental rights. But how exactly do we strike that balance? 

We speak to Azura Nasron, who is the executive director of SUARAM, about why this happens and what needs to be done moving forward. 

The Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA) has once again come under fire following reports that several minors were detained under its provisions in a recent security operation. The case has sparked concern among human rights groups, including SUARAM, over potential violations of child protection laws and allegations of abuse while in custody. The incident has also reignited calls for urgent reforms of the law to better balance national security with fundamental rights. But how exactly do we strike that balance?&nbsp;We speak to Azura Nasron, who is the executive director of SUARAM, about why this happens and what needs to be done moving forward.&nbsp;

Why Are Children Getting Detained Under SOSMA?

The world is changing at a pace few expected. From the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War to the devastation in Gaza Strip and Israel’s broader regional expansion, the foundations of the post-Cold War order appear increasingly unstable. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mark Carney warned that there is a "rupture" in the global order. Meanwhile, European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron have called for greater strategic autonomy, arguing that Europe must be prepared to act independently in an era of intensifying great-power competition. Together, these shifts raise pressing questions about the future cohesion of the NATO alliance and force a reconsideration of Europe’s role, whether as a junior partner to the United States or as a more assertive, sovereign entity in a polarised world. 

We speak to Frederik Holst, Fellow of the Research Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on Democracy in Germany.


Image Credit: Shutterstock

The world is changing at a pace few expected. From the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War to the devastation in Gaza Strip and Israel’s broader regional expansion, the foundations of the post-Cold War order appear increasingly unstable. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mark Carney warned that there is a "rupture" in the global order. Meanwhile, European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron have called for greater strategic autonomy, arguing that Europe must be prepared to act independently in an era of intensifying great-power competition. Together, these shifts raise pressing questions about the future cohesion of the NATO alliance and force a reconsideration of Europe’s role, whether as a junior partner to the United States or as a more assertive, sovereign entity in a polarised world.&nbsp;We speak to Frederik Holst, Fellow of the Research Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on Democracy in Germany. Image Credit: Shutterstock

What Role Will Europe Play in Changing Global Order?

In late February 2026, the United States and Israel carried out coordinated illegal military strikes on Iran, which is a sovereign country. Within the first few days, they bombed a school full of young Iranian girls and assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian head of state. This set off a rapidly escalating regional conflict, with Iran attacking US military bases in neighbouring Gulf countries, as well as restricting ships from entering the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important arteries of the global economy.

So what does this escalation mean for global energy markets, trade, and economic stability. Where does ASEAN and Malaysia stand in all of this? After all, in Malaysia, our subsidies maintain how much we have to fork out for fuel as consumers, but the actual price has skyrocketed which will have tremendous ripple effects. 

We unpack all of this and more with Yin Shao Loong, Deputy Director of Research, Khazanah Research Institute. 


Image Credit: Shutterstock

In late February 2026, the United States and Israel carried out coordinated illegal military strikes on Iran, which is a sovereign country. Within the first few days, they bombed a school full of young Iranian girls and assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian head of state. This set off a rapidly escalating regional conflict, with Iran attacking US military bases in neighbouring Gulf countries, as well as restricting ships from entering the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important arteries of the global economy.So what does this escalation mean for global energy markets, trade, and economic stability. Where does ASEAN and Malaysia stand in all of this? After all, in Malaysia, our subsidies maintain how much we have to fork out for fuel as consumers, but the actual price has skyrocketed which will have tremendous ripple effects.&nbsp;We unpack all of this and more with Yin Shao Loong, Deputy Director of Research, Khazanah Research Institute.&nbsp; Image Credit: Shutterstock

Here’s How Employers in Malaysia Prevent Workers From Unionising

In 1 playlist(s)

Beyond the Ballot Box

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips